Thing is of course, the answer lies at TST. We have no idea how many Konas, DBRs, Mongoose, Kents, Deans, etc. wereproduced. From a TST point, 3 digits were probably sufficient for their batch and production line management, and theyprobably would have warrantied any claim from Kona or whoever with little discussion.

Kona et el would only get the same serial number twice if it was the same brand, (same model) and same size and just so happened to be exactly the n + 1000 frame. A very slim chance based on the quantities we are talking about.

_________________Favorite quote on Retrobike: Not worth the petrol to take it to the tip so it's down to the angle grinder to make it small enough to put in the wheely bin.

When I last contacted Kona, the chap I mentioned earlier told me something quite interesting. I was asking if he knew why my Score frame had such a high serial number as he had already confirmed that only a maximum of 50 were ever produced. My Score’s frame number is KS18170, and I have now also seen KS17094.

His reply was; Quote, “Titanium Sports may have just put all the numbers in a sequence and only changed the prefix to denote the size and model of the bikes that year.”

So as you have suggested, it could be that the chap at Kona meant that the “prefix to donate the size and model of the bikes that year” included all manufactures that TST welded frames for.

No wonder we could never figure out the year of a Hei Hei from the serial number!

When I last contacted Kona, the chap I mentioned earlier told me something quite interesting. I was asking if he knew why my Score frame had such a high serial number as he had already confirmed that only a maximum of 50 were ever produced. My Score’s frame number is KS18170, and I have now also seen KS17094.

His reply was; Quote, “Titanium Sports may have just put all the numbers in a sequence and only changed the prefix to denote the size and model of the bikes that year.”

So as you have suggested, it could be that the chap at Kona meant that the “prefix to donate the size and model of the bikes that year” included all manufactures that TST welded frames for.

No wonder we could never figure out the year of a Hei Hei from the serial number!

Pip

....and that is what catalogues are for right

Now finding those is of course another topic. Blatant thread hijack warning Anyone with the DBR catalogues who can do a good scan will be a Saint.

_________________Favorite quote on Retrobike: Not worth the petrol to take it to the tip so it's down to the angle grinder to make it small enough to put in the wheely bin.

Are you saying that you currently own a Hei Hei that was sold new in Germany in May 1992?

If it was new in 1992, it is likely to be a 1992 model, but could even be earlier.

Are you able to post a picture of the frame / bike to this thread, and can you take a picture of the serial number?

If you struggle with adding pictures to a post on here, or if would prefer not to reveal the serial number to the www, you are welcome to my e-mail address.

Cheers, Pip.

Hi,

yes, sold new in May 1992 in Germany. Frame came with 2 "K" Decals on the downtube only, according to the original owner. I have the receipt including his name, so date of purchase is verified. Serial is B19484.

Who is online

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot post attachments in this forum